East 17’s ‘Stay Another Day’ has become one of the all-time most beloved Christmas hits. It spent five weeks at #1 when it was first released in 1994 – beating Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ to the top of the charts as it reached double-Platinum status, shooting to #1 in eight countries and going Top 10 in countless others, and later earning songwriter Tony Mortimer a prestigious Ivor Novello award.
Now it’s an iconic Christmas classic among multiple generations and returns to the charts every December – its timeless status assisted by covers by everyone from Jorja Smith and Kylie Minogue to Girls Aloud and Chvrches. In fact, in 2023 it amassed 20 million streams – almost double what it achieved the previous year – helped by significant discovery in North America. Simply put, no festive playlist is complete without this double-Platinum Christmas classic.
Tony Mortimer is using this landmark year as an opportunity to give back, and to raise awareness of how music can offer hope, expression, and healing to those who need it the most. The song inspires feelgood festive vibes, yet the story behind it is very different. Tony Mortimer is therefore also looking to reconnect the song with its original meaning – It was born out of personal loss and emotion, and written as a tribute to a life tragically cut short.
To achieve this, Tony has partnered for the 30th anniversary of ‘Stay Another Day’ with Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, who use the power of music to break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability, social isolation and mental health problems, creating space for people to express themselves and find connection in society.
In support of this partnership, Tony will be performing a special rendition of the much-loved song at the Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service in London on Tuesday December 10th, alongside festive performances from Jamie Cullum and Lemar.
Tony says:
“Through this collaboration with Nordoff and Robbins, I really want to raise awareness of how music can offer hope, expression and healing to people everywhere. This 30-year anniversary is more than just a celebration of a song—it’s a call to remember the profound impact that music can have on our lives, particularly in moments of struggle. By raising money for life-changing music therapy, I’m also looking forward to making a difference to young people who are living with mental health problems. Together, we can ensure that the power of music continues to uplift and support those who need it.”
On December 13th London Records will release a limited special edition of ‘Stay Another Day’ on 7” vinyl format. This ice clear 7”vinyl also features new artwork and a previously unreleased live version of the song from East 17’s 1995 ‘Letting Off Steam’ arena tour, and is now available to pre-order.
